Local Winds Team

Winds blowing in mountains can be bent or accelerated due to the influence of the topography, and they can blow as local winds such as downslope windstorm or gap winds. Depending on the region, local winds are known by different name such as "○○-oroshi", "○○-dashi", etc., and are familiar or feared. Bent winds can join, causing local convergence lines. The local convergence line is one of the major factors that make the weather forecast unpredictable, such as bringing cloudy weather around Tokyo, which is forecast to be sunny in winter. However, in many cases, details such as the time, conditions, and mechanism of their occurrence have not been clarified.

In the Wind Team, we are studding on the climatology, blowing conditions, and blowing mechanisms of local winds that blow in Japan, such as Obonai-dashi that blows in Akita Prefecture, Hira-oroshi that blows in Shiga Prefecture, and Rokko-oroshi that blows in Hyogo Prefecture. Recently, we are also studying the climatology and mechanism of generation of convergence lines that occur under the influence of topography of Japan. We are studying using various methods such as statistical analysis of observation data, simulations using weather models such as WRF, and field observations. We also conduct questionnaires and interviews to clarify how residents of the region where the local winds blow feel about them. 

It is an appeal point that you can develop connections with local people and cultivate a perspective of social contribution through the research of winds. If you are interested in local winds, want to study the weather of your hometown, or want to study using multiple methods, why don't you study with us?

Activity of the Local Wind Team

• Reading textbooks:
  Twice a month, we study the theory of mountain waves and so on in order to understand local winds more.

• Meeting:
  About once every two months, we confirm the work that each student can do and discuss the system of research support so that the members can study better.

(Written by: Tatsuki Kudo; Edited by :Thisara)